RUST Correspondent:

A seminar titled ‘Startup and Entrepreneurship Development for Youth Empowerment’ was held at Rangamati University of Science and Technology (RUST). The seminar was organized by the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at 12 noon on Thursday (September 4) in Room-2 of Academic Building-1.

The seminar was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman. The keynote speaker was Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, founder and CEO of ‘Young Power in Social Action’ (YPSA). Also speaking were Mr. Muhammad Saidul Islam, member of the RAB Regent Board and Managing Director of Restech Private Limited, and Mr. Abdur Rashid Sohag, Lead Mentor of ‘University Innovation Hub Programme (UIHP)’ and founder of ‘School Bus’ startup. All the teachers of the five departments were present at the seminar.

The speakers at the seminar highlighted the importance of developing entrepreneurs and promoting startup culture and said that creating entrepreneurs will not only create employment but will also accelerate the country's economic growth. They urged teachers and students to participate in science and technology-based startup initiatives.

In his speech, the RUPU Vice Chancellor said that a 'Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation' will be established on the RUPU campus soon. A proposal has already been prepared, which will be submitted for approval in the next Academic Council. He expressed hope that this center will play an important role in improving the quality of life of students and the youth of the hilly region.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, highlighted the activities of his established IPSA and explained how the institution is connecting the youth to employment by providing training, financing and support. He assured to jointly cooperate with RUPU in the development of startups and entrepreneurship among students.

IQAC's Additional Director (ETL) Dr. Md. Abu Taleb, Additional Director (QA) Dr. Touhidul Alam and Deputy Registrar (Academic) Mahbub Ara were also present at the seminar.